7 Ways To Help Children Develop Good Oral Health Habits

Getting your little child to understand the importance of oral
health can be difficult, and often frustrating. However, it is important
for parents to teach their children so they will develop lifelong oral health habits. Here are some tips to help get
your child excited about keeping teeth clean and develop good oral hygiene
habits.

7 Ways To Help Your Child Develop Good Oral
Health

1. Brush and floss your teeth together

Brushing and flossing
your teeth together with your child can help set the example for them. Kids
tend to mimic their parents in every aspect, including brushing teeth and
flossing. If you show your kids the importance of brushing and flossing twice a
day, they will likely follow in your footsteps. Plus, making brushing your
teeth together part of your nightly routine will help create a pattern that is
difficult to break. However, make sure to properly instruct your child on how
to brush as well so they can develop the proper technique that they might miss
just by watching you.

2. Know the basics of oral health for yourself

You can’t help your kids
with their oral health habits if you don’t know the basics yourself. Make sure
you know the best techniques for brushing and taking care of your mouth so you
can instruct your little one. Then, you will be able to pass on the knowledge.
Some important things to remember are:

Brush at least twice a day

Brush for 2 minutes

Floss every day

Angle your toothbrush at 45 degrees

Use a toothpaste with fluoride

Brush teeth, tongue, and cheeks

3. Read books and watch videos

Utilize colorful books
and fun videos to help teach your kids the importance of oral health. These
stories and videos for kids are designed just for them and are often effective
methods to help teach a lesson and make oral health a relatable topic for children.

4. Use a timer

To make sure that your
child is brushing for long enough, use a timer. Since the American Dental
Association recommends brushing for two minutes, using a timer is a great way
to keep track of the time. Let your kids flip over the timer and count down
until it’s time to stop brushing. This method will help make sure they are
brushing for the right amount of time every time they brush.

5. Buy “fun” toothpaste

Another way to help your
kids have good oral health is to buy toothpaste they actually want to use.
There are many toothpastes that taste good and that provide oral health
benefits for your kids. Choosing a toothpaste that your child wants to use will
help avoid fighting over brushing teeth before bed. Make sure to only use a
pea-sized amount of toothpaste and that your child doesn’t swallow it.
Toothpaste with fluoride are best to strengthen enamel and prevent decay and
plaque buildup.

6. Get a special toothbrush

In addition to getting
the right toothpaste, select the right brush for your child. Get a fun
toothbrush with a favorite character or favorite color is a great way to
motivate your child to brush. But make sure that you get a soft-bristled brush
for tiny teeth.

7. Regular visits to the dentist

In addition to these
tips, make sure that you schedule regular appointments with your dentist to
help identify cavities or other problems your child may have. Dentists can
provide additional instruction for your kids. To make these visits fun, try
getting a small treat for your kids or take them to their favorite park for
some fun time.

These tips will help
make brushing fun instead of a fight before bedtime. With these tips and an
enthusiasm for brushing, your children
will develop oral health habits that will benefit them the rest of their
lives.

7 Ways To Help Children Develop Good Oral Health Habits
Reviewed by Chibuzor Aguwa
on
Monday, September 04, 2017
Rating: 5